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Mindshare ASEAN strategy head David Johnson moves to Initiative China

Initiative has appointed David Johnson as its new chief strategy officer for China, marking the end of his eight-year tenure with Mindshare Asia-Pacific.

The IPG Mediabrands-owned media agency has tapped the agency’s former head of strategy for ASEAN to handle the newly-created role in Shanghai.

The appointment signals Johnson’s return to China after a four-year hiatus. He previously acted as Mindshare China’s head of planning, and then strategy, between 2010 and 2014.

He then moved to Bangkok to lead the ASEAN market, where he also held the dual role of head of connections planning of Mindshare APAC.

A 20-year media industry veteran, Johnson also has experience at OMD Dubai, BBDO Turkey and OMD Turkey.

He said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining a great team at Initiative. We are ideally positioned for growth and innovation – we have all the capabilities and resources of a large full-service agency whilst still being nimble enough to pivot and respond to every change in the China market. Today we are a young team absolutely focused on the future, free of any legacy, and that is very exciting to be part of.”

Tom Wan, CEO of IPG Mediabrands China, added: “We are delighted to have David on board. David has a wealth of experience as a strategist with a multi-cultural working background, and is perfectly placed to fuel strategic business value to our clients, helping brands connect with their audience through culture.”

The appointment is effective immediately.

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